Regular classes on campuses will resume in all nurseries, kindergartens, and public and private schools in the UAE on Monday, April 20, 2026, the UAE’s Ministry of Education announced on Wednesday.

“The resumption of in-person education for all children and students, as well as educational and administrative staff, in nurseries, kindergartens, and public and private schools, starting Monday, April 20, 2026,” the ministry said in a social media post

This follows schools’ completion of the necessary readiness and preparation plans, including facility preparedness, training of educational and administrative staff, and updating safety and security procedures, thereby reinforcing a safe and reassuring learning environment for students and their families, the ministry clarified.

Hybrid rotational model

Private schools will have the flexibility to implement the hybrid rotational model when needed, in accordance with approved regulations and under the supervision of local education authorities, in a manner that takes into account the readiness of each educational institution and ensures smooth implementation.

However, the ministry clarified that private schools implementing the hybrid rotational model must organise staff deployment in a manner that supports continuity of learning and does not require assigning the same teacher to deliver both in-person and remote instruction simultaneously.

This is to “preserve education quality and balancing professional workloads for teaching staff.”

Prepared for alternative modes

Educational institutions will remain prepared to transition to alternative learning modes when needed, ensuring continuity of education with flexibility and smooth implementation, the ministry added.

The ministry’s announcement ends days of confusion and rumours about how long the UAE will continue distance learning for students. It also clarifies the path forward for educational institutions to face any possible challenges in the context of regional uncertainties.

Wednesday’s announcement is also expected to give ample time for parents to prepare for sending children back to campuses.

Gulf News

Dubai has approved a new set of economic measures allowing hotels and businesses to defer key fees for three months, as authorities move to ease short-term cost pressures across the economy.

The measures, announced by Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence of the UAE, and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai, take effect from April 1, 2026.

They form part of a previously announced Dh1 billion economic incentive package.

Fee deferrals

Hotels will be allowed to postpone paying 100% of sales fees on rooms and food and beverage, as well as the Tourism Dirham, for a period of three months.

The relief applies across all hospitality establishments, including hotels, hotel apartments and holiday homes, and is aimed at easing liquidity pressures in the sector.

Wider measures

The measures extend to companies across multiple sectors, with a three-month deferral introduced on a range of business-related fees.

These include:

• Premium business names
• Licence amendment fees
• Newspaper announcement fees
• Local service fees
• Accommodation fees
• Waste management fees
• Service improvement fees

The deferrals apply to both new licences and renewals. Authorities said businesses will receive an update at the end of the three-month period.

Policy response

Officials framed the rollout as a continuation of Dubai’s responsive economic model.

Helal Saeed Almarri, Director General of the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), said: “Dubai’s economic model has been built on agility, clarity and cooperation, and the accelerated introduction and implementation of these measures… is a clear demonstration of the decisive leadership our city and nation benefit from.”

He added that the approach reflects “continued engagement with industry” and the ability to “rapidly enact policies that can incentivise growth and solidify resilience.”

Industry feedback

Authorities said the measures were shaped through consultations with the tourism sector.

Issam Kazim, CEO of the Dubai Corporation for Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DCTCM), part of DET, said: “Over recent weeks, we have been closely engaging with stakeholders across the tourism sector as they navigate through unique challenges.”

He said the incentives reflect industry feedback and will support “growth and momentum for the sector.”

Business flexibility

Ahmad Khalifa AlQaizi AlFalasi, CEO of Dubai Business Registration and Licensing Corporation (DBLC), part of DET, said the measures give companies room to manage near-term priorities.

“By giving businesses extra flexibility over the coming months, we are allowing them to focus on key priorities… to protect the long-term sustainability of their operations,” he said.

The measures sit within a wider economic support package announced earlier this week, which also includes extending customs data grace periods and streamlining the issuance and renewal of residency permits.

GN

Regional tensions continue to shape daily life on day 33 of the US–Israel war with Iran, as authorities respond to air defence debris incidents, announce significant fuel price changes, and extend distance learning across the country. Here are the key developments UAE residents should know today.

One killed after drone debris falls on Fujairah farm

Authorities in Fujairah confirmed that one person was killed after debris from an intercepted drone fell on a farm in the Al-Rifa’a area. The Fujairah Government Media Office said UAE air defence systems successfully intercepted an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) over the emirate, but debris from the interception subsequently landed on the farm. A Bangladeshi national died as a result of the incident, authorities said.

Debris falls on Dubai homes, four Asian nationals injured

Authorities in Dubai confirmed on Tuesday that they responded to an incident in southern Dubai caused by debris from a successful air defence interception. The debris fell on residential houses, resulting in property damage and minor injuries to four Asian nationals. Officials also confirmed that the loud sounds heard across parts of the city earlier that day were linked to the same air defence operations.

UAE announces petrol and diesel prices for April 2026

The UAE Fuel Price Committee announced the retail prices for petrol and diesel for April 2026, with significant increases across all grades. Super 98 petrol will cost Dh3.39 per litre, up from Dh2.59 in March, while Special 95 petrol is now priced at Dh3.28 per litre, compared to Dh2.48 last month. E-Plus petrol will sell for Dh3.20 per litre, rising from Dh2.40 in March. Diesel prices have also risen sharply, now standing at Dh4.69 per litre, up from Dh2.72 previously.

Distance learning extended until April 17 for universities

The Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research, in coordination with the Education, Human Development and Community Development Council, announced the extension of remote learning at higher education institutions until April 17, 2026. The ministry said in-person classes will resume only for priority programmes requiring physical attendance, in strict adherence to approved safety measures. Institutions were urged to monitor developments and coordinate with local authorities to ensure continuity and maintain learning quality.

Dubai’s KHDA confirms two more weeks of distance learning

Dubai’s Knowledge and Human Development Authority confirmed that distance learning will continue across all private educational institutions in the emirate for an additional two weeks, from Monday, April 6 until Friday, April 17, 2026. The extension was made as authorities continue to prioritise the safety and wellbeing of students and academic and administrative staff across Dubai’s private education sector.

UAE school group waives transport fees for April

UAE education group Woodlem Education announced a waiver of transport fees across all its institutions in the country, effective from April 2026, describing it as a compassionate measure to support families during the current situation. The relief applies to parents of more than 20,000 students across 10 institutions, eight schools and two nurseries, following the authorities’ extension of distance learning until April 17, with possible further extensions if required. The group noted that transport fees for March had already been collected prior to the announcement.

Dubai and Abu Dhabi rank among world’s top 10 smartest cities

Dubai and Abu Dhabi have secured leading positions in the 2026 Smart City Index published by the International Institute for Management Development. Dubai ranked sixth globally, while Abu Dhabi placed tenth among 148 cities assessed. Zurich topped the global ranking, followed by Oslo, Geneva, London, and Copenhagen. The report highlighted the UAE’s model of government-led investment in digital technology as a global benchmark, noting strong public trust and significantly improved urban performance across the country.

GN